Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State represented by his Deputy Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai have called for innovative construction methods and the use of local building materials to reduce housing costs and improve affordability.
This call was made during the groundbreaking ceremony of Graceland, Rehoboth, and Mercyville Estates, a project led by COPEN Group in collaboration with the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) and other institutions.
Speaking at the event, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted the need for innovation to counter rising construction costs. He emphasized that locally sourced materials and expertise could significantly reduce the price of essential materials like cement and roofing sheets.
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“It’s time we explore how local materials such as earth bricks and traditional roofing techniques can contribute to more affordable and sustainable housing,” Dangiwa noted.
Deputy Governor, Barrister Ossai urged universities and research institutions to explore cost-effective construction techniques to reduce housing costs in Nigeria. “We need to revisit the use of locally available materials like burnt bricks and thatched roofing. Our universities and research institutions should lead the way in developing these methods,” Ossai emphasized.
“We need to explore materials like burnt bricks, which were once produced locally, and consider alternatives such as thatched roofing that are not only sturdy but also naturally cooling. These methods could greatly reduce building costs, making homes more affordable for the average Nigerian,” he urged.
Barrister Ossai also pointed out that the escalating prices of key construction materials like cement and roofing sheets, exacerbated by inflation and currency devaluation make it imperative to find alternative solutions. He advocated for the integration of local expertise and materials into modern construction processes.
“The time has come to rethink our approach. By using locally sourced materials, we can lower costs while also making our housing projects more environmentally sustainable,” said Deputy Governor, Barr. Ossai.
Minister Dangiwa also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Housing Program, which aims to deliver 10,000 housing units nationwide, with 2,000 units already earmarked for Enugu. He noted that this project is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of providing affordable and quality homes for Nigerians.
As Nigeria continues to face rising housing costs, the groundbreaking of Graceland, Rehoboth, and Mercyville Estates marks a significant step forward. These estates, designed to cater to various economic classes, promise to offer a mix of housing solutions while promoting sustainability, job creation, and long-term development in the southeast region.
